By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
First launched in 2010, the Setouchi Triennale gained widespread acclaim for allowing visitors to cruise the Seto Inland Sea while enjoying art pieces seamlessly blended with the islands’ landscapes and cultural heritage — it was also the world’s first mega art festival set entirely on islands. Starting March 20, 2013, the Setouchi Triennale will return and be divided into three seasons — Spring, Summer, and Autumn — spanning a total of 108 days. With Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, and nine other islands in the Seto Inland Sea, along with the areas around Takamatsu Port and Uno Port in Kagawa Prefecture serving as stages, the event, themed “Art and Islands Weaving the Four Seasons of the Seto Inland Sea,” will showcase a variety of artworks that incorporate local cultural elements. Among them will be works by Taiwanese contemporary artist Wang Wen-Zhi, who has been invited to numerous major art exhibitions both in Taiwan and abroad.
A variety of art creations incorporating island characteristics will be exhibited starting March 20 next year across 12 islands in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. (Image provided by Yodogawa Technique, "Black Porgy in Uno", Photo: Osamu Nakamura)
The “Setouchi Triennale 2013” will be held over three seasons: Spring from March 20 to April 21, Summer from July 20 to September 1, and Autumn from October 5 to November 4, 2013. The artworks will be displayed across 12 islands in the Seto Inland Sea — including Naoshima, Teshima, Megijima, Ogijima, Shodoshima, Oshima, Inujima, Honjima, Maishima, Takamijima, Awashima, and Ibuki Island — as well as in the areas around Takamatsu Port and Uno Port.
Among the many islands and exhibits, Teshima focuses on the themes of “food” and “art,” highlighting the “Teshima Art Museum,” which blends harmoniously with the landscape, and the “Island Kitchen,” which acts as a community hub. Megijima explores themes of light, wind, and waves, promoting nature-based art experiences and utilizing vacant houses, alleys, and closed elementary and junior high schools for artistic projects. In the summer, activities such as a global children’s summer camp and an international exchange exhibition by Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts are held to enhance community engagement. Ogijima not only utilizes closed elementary and junior high schools as venues for art installations but also organizes workshops led by artists. Additionally, the placement of artworks on the island allows visitors to experience the distinctive sloped settlement and maze-like alleys, connecting them with the local heritage and traditions. Shodoshima, where Wang Wen-Zhi’s works are exhibited, features projects using vacant spaces such as its harbor area, maze-like neighborhoods, Mitsudomoe Peninsula, and Soy Sauce Village, along with installation art displays.
The exhibition is divided into three seasons — Spring, Summer, and Autumn — with artworks showcased on different islands. (Image provided by Funjo Hagetaka, "20th Century Recall", Photo: Osamu Nakamura)
The Seto Inland Sea is a vast body of water located between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, historically known for its abundant marine resources and as a vital maritime route. It has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures, sparking remarkable historical exchanges. Each island in the sea retains its unique culture, traditional customs, and beautiful scenery. The 2010 Setouchi Triennale was held against this distinctive cultural backdrop, attracting over 930,000 visitors. Official website: setouchi-artfest.jp/en.
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